An Introduction to Ice Climbing: Gear and Physical Fitness Necessities

While ice climbing is fun, the right gear and fitness requirements must be met to reap the rewards. Otherwise, climbers put themselves (and others on the route) in danger.

Nathaniel Whittle of Texas explains that understanding the physical attributes and essential items ensures fledgling climbers stay safe and keep coming back for more.

Ice Climbing’s Physical Challenges Means Peak Fitness Is a Must

Strength and stamina are vital.

Climbers constantly use their forearms, calves, quads, and abs to hold, swing, and pull themselves across potentially hazardous terrain. Thus, people with a background in rock climbing or gymnastics find they’re already halfway to the level of strength required.

As for stamina, it’s more about aerobic muscle capacity than cardiovascular fitness. Potential ice climbers’ muscles need to withstand moderate strain for prolonged durations.

The Essential Ice Climbing Packing List

Once budding climbers reach a high fitness level, it’s time to gather the gear, which should include:

• Mountaineering boots — Insulated, stiff, and protective, they’re perhaps the most vital piece of ice climbing equipment. They should fit well to the heel without restricting blood flow. Popular choices include:
• Scarpa Mont Blanc
• La Sportiva G5
• Crampons — Specifically designed for ice climbing, crampons come with metal spikes to hold the wearer firmly on the terrain. They must fit well to the mountaineering boots to ensure effectiveness (i.e., minimal space between the boot and the heel, with the toe firmly connected to the front part of the crampon). Climbers should choose the style purpose-built for the type of ice climbing they wish to try:
• For waterfall ice climbing — dual vertical front point crampons
• For technical ice, fragile, or mixed climbing — monopoints
• For soft conditions — alpine crampons
• Ice axes — They come in two categories: alpine/all-round tools or steep ice tools. The latter has a steeper pick and an offset grip, making them perfect for steep (as the name suggests) to overhanging terrain. The former has a slight shaft bend and a moderate pick angle. They’re recommended for less steep terrain and beginners.
• Helmet — While there isn’t an ice-specific helmet, everybody who ice climbs or is thinking about taking up the sport must wear a climbing-certified helmet. According to OutdoorGearLab’s test, Black Diamond Vision MIPS is the best option.

• Harness and clippers — A harness built for ice climbing includes ice clipper (a rack for ice screws) slots, whereas standard rock-climbing harnesses do not.
• Personal bail kit — Anchoring safely and quickly is a must when ice climbing. Personal bail kits include the equipment to do so, including:
• 21cm ice screw
• Short cord
• Abalahook
• Locking carabiners, anchor material, and belay devices — While one tube-style belay device with a carabiner and spare locker is fine to begin, multi-pitch climbs require more.
• Avalanche gear — A probe, shovel, and beacon are essential for facing complex terrains.
• Draws and ice screws — Between 10 and 12 screws are usually enough. But experts recommend slow climbers bring more.

The more self-explanatory gear needed includes a headlamp, first aid kit, emergency communication device, gloves, food, water, and a backpack.

Experienced climbers state this is just a starting point. As beginners become advanced and tackle longer climbs, extra gear (and increased stamina) may be necessary.